Water play

I love having the water troth accessible to the preschoolers whenever I can.  I have noticed that it is not as popular as some of the other areas in the playground (swings and sandpit) and I need some ideas to make it more entertaining.  I have tried water, ice, coloured water, glitter, and various toys (funnels, fishing games, animals, shovels, buckets) but am thinking maybe some of the kitchen utensils maybe of interest in the troth.  Any suggestions??